2010 NSX test Mule

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2007 4:25 pm

Spycam: Honda runs Acura NSX prototype

It looks like an S2000 on steroids, but under these hand-crafted panels is an early mechanical prototype of the long awaited next generation Acura NSX. At the reveal of the NSX styling concept at the Detroit Show in January, Honda hinted the car would feature an all-new front-mounted V-10. This mule, snapped testing at the Nurburgring, appears to confirm the engine's location, if not the number of cylinders.

The fierce rivalry between Toyota and Honda suggests the new NSX will have at least 500hp to combat Toyota's forthcoming Lexus LF-A super coupe, also rumored to be powered by a front-mounted V-10. The concept shown at Detroit featured a rear drive layout based on Honda's Super Handling AWD system, but don't bet against all-wheel drive appearing in the production version. We'll undoubtedly learn more when an updated concept appears at the Frankfurt Show this September.

Honda has long been regarded as the more innovative of Japan's automakers, but the on-off NSX replacement program appears to be on again mainly because of Toyota's moves to develop its own supercar.

The original NSX, launched in 1990, fundamentally changed the automotive landscape, forcing established supercar manufacturers like Ferrari to place as more emphasis on quality and ease of use as well as outright performace. But Honda's reluctance to commit to a replacement (production of the original finally ceased in 2005) probably has a lot to do with rumors that it never made money on the car. The all-aluminum NSX was manufactured in a purpose-built factory in Tochigi, and production dropped to as low as 10 cars a day.

Video:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Ge ... eId=120921

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2007 5:10 pm

My guess is that nearly the entire body is cobbled together just for a test mule and that there is little of the styling of the real car that exists in those photos. The body on that mule has S2000 written all over it, but to my eyes it also has a lot of RX8 in it. I hope I am right that this is not anything close to the real deal from a styling point of view.

I always loved the original NSX. Unfortunately they haven’t depreciated enough that I can afford one.

PhilFausz · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2007 10:02 pm

Richard Casto wrote:

My guess is that nearly the entire body is cobbled together just for a test mule and that there is little of the styling of the real car that exists in those photos.

Let's hope so, that car is hurting my eyes. To me there are three timeless cars, the last of the NSX, RX-7, and Supra.

Marty Howard · **Posted:** Tue May 29, 2007 10:11 pm

Yes, this is nothing more than a test mule, just like the C6 mule was built with a Camaro body.

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2010 NSX test Mule

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